NEW YORK — October 22, 2026 — The 19th meeting of the Joint Committee (JC19) on the Cooperation Programme between the Governments of the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) and the Governments of Italy, Austria, Luxembourg, and Spain successfully concluded on October 20, 2026, in New York.
During the high-level ambassadorial meeting, the Joint Committee approved a strategic suite of sustainable development projects submitted by PSIDS governments. Among the approved initiatives is a major project from the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) entitled: Support for the FSM Coconut Value Chain Rehabilitation, Biochar assessment and TIC Pilot Replication.
This specific initiative scales up and adapts a successful Asian Development Bank (ADB) Technology Innovation Challenge (TIC) pilot previously conducted in Pingelap, Pohnpei State. The project is spearheaded by the FSM Department of Resources & Development, whose team worked successfully alongside their Italian counterparts to develop and refine the complex technical aspects of the proposal. The initiative aims to revitalize local agricultural value chains while integrating biochar technology to bolster environmental resilience and local economies.
This milestone direct benefit highlights Micronesia’s strong, enduring relations with its international development partners. It also underscores the nation’s strategic engagement as an active and committed member of the United Nations, successfully leveraging multilateral platforms to secure critical advancements for its citizens.
The Permanent Representative of the Federated States of Micronesia to the United Nations, who represented FSM at the session of the Joint Committee, expressed the deep gratitude of his Government to Italy, Austria, Luxembourg, and Spain. He emphasized that the continued, steadfast support of these donor partners remains vital for the sustainable development and climate resilience of Micronesia and the broader Pacific SIDS region.